Various egg types are available through the WIC program, including fresh eggs, refrigerated eggs, and frozen eggs. Fresh eggs are the most common type and come in different sizes such as large, medium, and small. Refrigerated eggs have been pasteurized for safety and can last longer than fresh eggs. Frozen eggs are a convenient option for baking and cooking and can be found in whole, whites-only, or yolks-only forms. The specific availability of egg types may vary based on WIC guidelines in each state. It is important to check with your local WIC office to determine the specific egg types offered in your area.
Approved Egg Brands for WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides food assistance to qualifying low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children under age 5. WIC approves certain egg brands for purchase with WIC benefits. Here are the approved egg brands:
- Albertsons
- Best Choice
- Cage-Free
- Clover Valley
- Eggland’s Best
- Fresh Eggs Farm
- Habitat
- Horizon Organic
- Kroger
- Land O’Lakes
- Nature’s Yoke
- Safeway
- Stater Bros.
- Store Brand
- Trader Joe’s
- Vital Farms
- Whole Foods
WIC participants can also purchase eggs from farmers’ markets that accept WIC benefits. To find a WIC-approved farmers’ market, visit the USDA website or contact your local WIC office.
| Egg Size | Number of Eggs per Dozen | WIC Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 18 | 1 dozen |
| Medium | 21 | 1 dozen |
| Large | 24 | 1 dozen |
| Extra Large | 27 | 1 dozen |
| Jumbo | 30 | 1 dozen |
WIC participants can purchase up to 2 dozen eggs per month. The number of eggs you receive will depend on the size of the eggs you purchase.
Criteria for Egg Eligibility
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides eligible individuals with supplemental food assistance, including eggs. To be eligible for eggs through WIC, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman
- Be an infant or child under the age of 5
- Meet income eligibility guidelines
- Reside in a state or county that participates in WIC
Income eligibility guidelines vary by state, but in general, you must have a household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You can find the income eligibility guidelines for your state by visiting the WIC website.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can receive a monthly allotment of eggs from WIC. The amount of eggs you receive will vary depending on your age and nutritional needs.
| Age | Monthly Egg Allotment |
|---|---|
| 0-11 months | 2 dozen |
| 12-23 months | 3 dozen |
| 24-35 months | 2 dozen |
| 36-47 months | 1 dozen |
| 48-59 months | 1/2 dozen |
WIC Egg Distribution Guidelines
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides eligible participants with vouchers for a variety of healthy foods, including eggs. The type of eggs that WIC participants receive may vary depending on the state or local agency that administers the program.
Generally, WIC participants can choose between fresh eggs and shelf-stable eggs. Fresh eggs are typically refrigerated and have a shorter shelf life than shelf-stable eggs. Shelf-stable eggs are processed to remove bacteria and can be stored at room temperature for several months.
WIC participants may also be able to choose between different sizes of eggs. The most common sizes of eggs are large, medium, and small. Large eggs are the most common size and are suitable for most cooking purposes. Medium eggs are slightly smaller than large eggs and are good for baking and other recipes that call for smaller eggs. Small eggs are the smallest size of eggs and are often used in recipes that call for only a few eggs.
The number of eggs that WIC participants receive each month depends on their age and nutritional needs. Generally, infants receive 12 eggs per month, children under the age of 2 receive 24 eggs per month, and children ages 2 to 5 receive 36 eggs per month. Pregnant and breastfeeding women receive 48 eggs per month.
WIC participants should check with their local WIC agency for specific information about the type and number of eggs that they are eligible to receive.
| Age | Number of Eggs Per Month |
|---|---|
| Infants | 12 |
| Children under 2 | 24 |
| Children ages 2 to 5 | 36 |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding women | 48 |
Egg Nutritional Requirements for WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional support for low-income women, infants, and children. Eggs are a WIC-approved food that provides a variety of essential nutrients, including:
- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B12
WIC participants can get eggs from their local WIC clinic or from authorized grocery stores. Eggs are available in a variety of sizes and grades, so it is important to choose the eggs that are best for your family’s needs.
Egg Size
Eggs are available in a variety of sizes, from jumbo to peewee. The size of an egg does not affect its nutritional value. However, larger eggs may cost more than smaller eggs.
Egg Grade
Eggs are graded based on their quality. The grades are AA, A, and B. Grade AA eggs are the highest quality eggs. They have a firm, round yolk and a thick, firm white.
Grade A eggs are also high quality eggs. They may have a slightly smaller yolk than Grade AA eggs, and their white may be slightly thinner.
Grade B eggs are the lowest grade of eggs. They may have a flat or spread yolk, and their white may be thin and watery.
All grades of eggs are safe to eat. However, Grade AA and A eggs are the best choice for cooking and baking.
Egg Storage
Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Eggs can be stored in their original carton or in a sealed container.
Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 45 days.
Egg Safety
It is important to cook eggs thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not eat raw eggs or undercooked eggs.
Table of Egg Nutritional Values
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 grams |
|---|---|
| Calories | 143 |
| Fat | 9.5 grams |
| Protein | 12.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 1.1 grams |
| Iron | 1.8 milligrams |
| Vitamin A | 880 micrograms |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 micrograms |
| Vitamin E | 1.0 milligram |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 micrograms |
Well, there you have it! Whether you’re a new or expecting mom, or just looking for ways to stretch your food budget, WIC can be a great way to get the nutrition you need. And now you know all about the different eggs you can get with WIC.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back later for more tips and information on healthy eating.